About CL&L

An independent nonprofit school for people 55+


Designed for people who love to learn about wide-ranging subjects
Friendly, informal, welcoming atmosphere
Engaged/participatory classes
All-volunteer faculty and board
Started at Marymount Manhattan College in 1994

 

  • Lively, Stimulating Classes

    Retired people often find they now have more time to explore subjects that interest them

  • Top-level Teachers

    With expertise and knowledge about their subjects, offering new courses each semester

  • For People Who Love To Learn

    This motivates our students and teachers throughout their lives

  • Engaged, Participatory Classes

    Every session provides an opportunity for our students to participate actively by asking questions and making comments; Q&A in all classes

  • Diverse Classes

    Wide range of topics for people 55+, including current events and issues, history, culture and the arts, and getting more out of life

  • Affordable Price

    For one tuition fee per semester students can attend unlimited classes

  • First Week FREE For New Students

    Free full day of classes for first-time students and visitors the first week of Spring 2022 classes, March 29, 30 or 31.

  • Friendly, Informal, Welcoming Atmosphere

    Whether you’ve been a student for many years or have joined us recently, you’re a welcomed member of our community

 

“Why do I attend CL&L? Fascinating interactive classes, totally engaging teachers and very involved students.
It is the best bargain in town!!!”

CL&L Student

All our teachers are experts in their fields, whether from academia, business or the arts. Returning teachers offer new materials every semester since many of our students keep coming back.

“The attendees are smart, challenging and appreciative, and they force me to a level of preparedness no different than when I served on corporate boards.” CL&L Teacher

Meet our Board of Directors

  • Bruce Berkman

    40-year career as an entrepreneur, founding partner of Glassmasters Studio, selling stained glass supplies, recreating medieval and contemporary stained glass reproductions for museum stores and catalogs. BA, NYU. Attended NYU Graduate School of Business.

  • Robert Ciricillo

    Attorney specializing in international business transactions. Worked with General Electric Co. and the Coudert Brothers law firm.

  • Joan Fabio, Treasurer

    50-year career in corporate finance in the transportation and engineering industries, including at Pan Am; VP, Treasurer at consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff. Served on several non-profit boards and advisory committees. BA, Hunter College. MA, Economics, CUNY.

  • Judy Langer, Executive Director

    40+ year career in market research, specializing in focus groups / qualitative research. Headed her own firm, Langer Associates, and SVP at Roper/GfK; author of The Mirrored Window on focus groups. BA, Smith College; MA, Columbia University in American Government.

  • Steven Lefkowitz, Secretary

    33-year career with the NYS Division of Parole. Started out as a parole officer, retired as Director of the division’s parole violation system. Previously NYC elementary school teacher. BA, Psychology, Queens College; MBA, John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

  • Beth Pessen

    45-year career in qualitative marketing research. Started her own business, Pessen Strategic Research, in 1990, designing and conducting focus group based projects for many museums, theaters and schools as well as a wide variety of companies. BA from Barnard College; MA, Sociology UC Berkeley. PhD, Sociology, Brandeis Univ.

  • Rita Satz

    U.S. Congressional Aide, Emmy Award-winning NBC News producer/writer, Freedom Forum and Consumer Report producer, published poet, and CL&L teacher (“Inside TV News). Attended Temple University.

  • Joyce Toy

    36-year career in the computer industry, including 26 years at IBM. Designed mainframe software systems. Was product manager for several hardware and software products. BS, Mathematics, Brooklyn College.

  • "Best Kept Secret"

    “CL&L, I believe, is one of the best-kept secrets in the city for anyone 55+. Classes provide intellectual stimulation, enjoyment, as well as camaraderie with others – who offer their comments and questions for all to learn. My classes [were] taught by intelligent, experienced leaders.”
    - CL&L Student

  • "Fascinating Interactive Classes"

    “Why do I attend CL&L? Fascinating interactive classes, totally engaging professors and very involved students. It is the best bargain in town!!! ”
    - CL&L Student

  • "Retirement Was Not An Option"

    “After 60 years of two exciting careers, retirement was not an option. At age 80+ I wasn’t ready to pack it in. Recalling the lyrics from Kurt Weill’s September Song, ‘I don’t have time to play the waiting game,’ I was desperate to find something before that old rocking chair got me. A friend told me about The Center for Learning and Living. How fortunate I was. CL&L has become an important part of my life.”
    - CL&L Student

  • "Keeping Us Sane"

    “Your classes are keeping us sane during these difficult days.”
    - CL&L Student

  • "I Really Get a Lot Out of It"

    “It’s been very interesting. So many new ideas and courses, all very broadening The teachers are always high level and the students very sophisticated. I really get a lot out of it. Thank you. “
    - CL&L Student

20241119_143812.jpg
2019-Fall-James-Florio-01.jpg
2019-Fall-Magee-Kickey-and-Roma-Torre.jpg
2019-Fall-Juan-Williams-02.jpg
2019-Fall-Juan-Williams-01.jpg
20241119_143054.jpg